The CBS Sports 136 final college football rankings have concluded with Indiana securing a unanimous No. 1 position after their 27-21 victory over Miami in the National Championship. Miami's strong performance throughout the season propelled them to No. 2, having defeated several ranked teams including Ohio State and Ole Miss. Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Oregon rounded out the top five, with minor variations in their rankings. Notre Dame's decision to opt out of postseason play left them slightly polarizing but positioned them at No. 8. The rankings saw significant movement, particularly among teams on the border of the top 25.

By the Numbers
  • Indiana finished the season as the unanimous No. 1 team.
  • Miami climbed eight spots to No. 2 after defeating three ranked opponents and finishing as CFP runner-up.
Yes, But

Despite strong performances, several teams faced criticism for their rankings. Notre Dame’s opt-out raised questions about their deserving of an eighth place finish, while others like Nebraska slipped due to poor closing performances.

State of Play
  • Voters assessed teams based on full-season performance and postseason results.
  • A notable logjam emerged among fringe top-25 teams, creating tight rankings from 22 to 28.
What's Next

As college football transitions into the 2026 season, teams will look to address weaknesses highlighted in this final ranking. Preseason expectations will be influenced by current performances, especially for teams like Nebraska and South Florida.

Bottom Line

The final rankings underline the importance of both regular-season performance and postseason outcomes in judging team strength. As the 2026 season approaches, teams must adapt and improve to enhance their standings in the ever-changing landscape of college football.